Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers shared a century partnership and regained the initiative for South Africa on the fourth day of the first Test against England at SuperSport Park yesterday.
South Africa were 182 for five at tea, an overall lead of 244.
Each of England’s fast bowlers claimed a wicket as South Africa lost three wickets for 37 runs at the start of the day after resuming on nine for one.
However, Amla (76 not out) and De Villiers (64) put on 119 for the fifth wicket with some enterprising batting.
James Anderson struck in the third over of the day when nightwatchman Paul Harris was bowled off his thigh pad for 11.
South African captain Graeme Smith never looked comfortable against accurate bowling by Anderson and Graham Onions. Smith fell to Onions five overs later when he pushed forward defensively and was bowled off an inside edge for 12. Jacques Kallis made only four before he pulled Stuart Broad to Alastair Cook on the square leg boundary.
Amla and De Villiers both survived calls for review by the television umpire after leg before wicket appeals by off-spinner Graeme Swann and Onions were turned down, meaning England used both their review options during the innings.
De Villiers in particular made light of tricky batting conditions as the pair posted a century partnership off 164 balls. De Villiers made his runs off 101 balls, with six fours and a six before he was caught by a diving Ian Bell at short cover.
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